### New COVID Variant "Nimbus" Linked to Severe Sore Throats A new COVID-19 variant, known as Nimbus (NB.1.8.1), is causing a notable increase in cases globally, particularly characterized by a painful symptom referred to as "razor blade throat." This variant has been detected in at least 22 countries as of mid-May 2025, raising concerns among health officials about its potential impact on public health [https://ca.news.yahoo.com/swallowing-razor-blades-know-painful-161708837.html]. The nickname "razor blade throat" reflects the intense pain experienced by those infected, which has been described as feeling akin to swallowing razor blades [https://dallasexpress.com/health/covid-variant-brings-excruciating-razor-blade-throat]. ### Understanding the Nimbus Variant and Its Symptoms 1. **Variant Overview**: - The COVID variant Nimbus (NB.1.8.1) is a new strain that has emerged, leading to a rise in COVID-19 cases in various regions [https://www.themirror.com/news/health/what-know-covid-variant-causing-1219797]. 2. **Symptoms**: - The most alarming symptom associated with this variant is the severe sore throat, which has been described as "razor blade throat" due to its excruciating nature [https://abc7ny.com/post/razor-blade-throat-symptom-new-covid-variant-called-nimbus-what-know/16781065]. 3. **Geographical Spread**: - As of May 18, 2025, Nimbus has been reported in 22 countries, indicating its rapid spread and potential for becoming a dominant strain [https://ca.news.yahoo.com/swallowing-razor-blades-know-painful-161708837.html]. ### Data on the Nimbus Variant's Impact - **Detection**: - The variant has been confirmed in multiple countries, with health officials monitoring its spread closely [https://abcnews.go.com/Health/covid-variant-nb181-causing-razor-blade-throat/story?id=123004186]. - **Symptoms Severity**: - Reports indicate that patients are experiencing more intense throat pain compared to previous COVID strains, which could lead to increased healthcare visits and potential strain on medical resources [https://www.kcra.com/article/razor-blade-throat-covid-nimbus-variant/65111959]. ### Conclusion: The Rising Threat of the Nimbus Variant In summary, the emergence of the Nimbus variant (NB.1.8.1) poses a significant public health challenge due to its association with severe sore throats, dubbed "razor blade throat." 1. **Variant Characteristics**: The variant is spreading rapidly across multiple countries, raising alarms among health officials. 2. **Symptom Severity**: The intense throat pain reported by patients is a concerning development that may lead to increased healthcare demands. 3. **Global Monitoring**: Continuous monitoring and research are essential to understand the full impact of this variant and to develop appropriate public health responses. The situation remains fluid, and ongoing vigilance is necessary to mitigate the effects of this new COVID-19 variant [https://patch.com/california/across-ca/razor-blade-throat-covid-subvariant-sickens-more-ca].